by John O’Malley
“And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's: And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it” (Ruth 4:3-4).
With the twelve men seated, Boaz spoke. These men had gathered to give witness to what would transpire between Boaz and “such a one.” Boaz spoke carefully of real estate and relationships. His announcement of the sale of property would give clear indication to the witnesses why they were there.
Boaz’s words point out he had specific knowledge of Naomi’s intentions. This knowledge came either from his midnight meeting with Ruth or in an unrecorded visit with Naomi. However he gleaned the knowledge, he knew what he wanted to do. He was there to make known to the nearer kinsman that Elimelech’s wife wanted to sell land and he, being the nearer kinsman, should buy it.
What burden must have been in Boaz’s heart as he knew what he was doing but did not know the outcome. Boaz knew he desired the nearer kinsman to step out of the way. He wanted “such a one” to allow him to become the kinsman-redeemer to Elimelech’s land and Mahlon’s wife.
Boaz’s announcement is much like what Paul wrote to the Roman believers: “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh” (Romans 8:3). This very truth is what Boaz put on display for the witnesses. He stood and made his declaration of what must be done. In doing so, he revealed what the nearer kinsman could not do. His announcement also brought to light his availability to be a kinsman-redeemer.
Jesus Christ did the same for mankind. The law could not save man: “It was weak through the flesh.” However, the Sender of the law became the Saviour of love. He stood in our place to become our Kinsman-Redeemer. His offer to be Kinsman-Redeemer is available even today. His extension of redemption is for all. Is He your Kinsman-Redeemer? Have you told someone today of His announcement for their redemption?
Think about it...